Cor de Groot: Hommage Piano Music

Folke Nauta (piano), Jacob Bogaart (piano)

Cor de Groot (July 7, 1914 – May 26, 1993) was a Dutch pianist and composer. Born in Amsterdam, he studied piano with Egbert Veen and Ulferts Schults, and composition and conducting with Sem Dresden. In 1932 he graduated with highest honors, playing a piano concerto written by himself. After becoming a soloist with the Concertgebouw Orchestra he embarked on a highly successful international career. His recordings demonstrate a strong sense of structure, a clean rhythmic attack and very precise dynamic shadings.

In 1959 a nervous disorder developed in his right hand but he continued playing repertoire for the left hand. He arranged more than 80 pieces for the left hand; his Apparitions, for the left hand alone, was described by one reviewer as "intense and expressive piano music that should make it a joy for a pianist to develop his left hand." Slowly he regained power over his right hand. He became musical director of the Dutch Broadcasting Foundation and promoted Dutch contemporary music. He made many recordings but also continued composing. His compositions include music for piano solo, orchestral music, vocal works and chamber music.

The first CD of this set dedicated to Cor de Groot presents works for piano left hand, by Cor de Groot, Ignace Lilien (1897-1964), Léon Orthel (1905- 1985), Willem Frederik Bon (1940-1983), the brothers Jurriaan (1925- 1996), and Louis Andriessen (1939-2021) as well as by their uncle Willem Andriessen (1887-1964); the second CD contains works for piano solo by Cor de Groot.

Played by Folke Nauta (CD1) and Jacob Bogaart (CD2).

Ignace Lilien (1897-1963), Leon Orthel (1905-1985), Willem Frederik Bon (1940-1983), Willem Andriessen (1887-1964), Jurriaan Andriessen (1925-1996), Louis Andriessen (1939-2021), Franz Liszt (1811-1886)